Liverpool’s 2016 has been a rocky road, especially for the loyal punters propping up the bar in the Transfer Tavern.
At the end of last season, the Reds suffered heartbreak by losing the Europa League final and also they failed to qualify for any European football.
However, this season it seems to be going will for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
With no European football, they have their full concentration on the league and they currently sit 2nd behind Chelsea. While they are still in the title contenders, there are some obvious problems within the Merseyside titans that do need to be fixed.
But, if Klopp can work his magic then in 2017 the Liverpool fans may be drinking by the bar singing tails of an unlikely title victory?
While there are deficiencies both in goal and defence, one name who continues to be linked with a move to Anfield is Borussia Dortmund ace Christian Pulisic.
A thrilling incisive young winger, the American international could perhaps replace Daniel Sturridge, who is frequently touted as a potential exit.
So here is what could be the new look Liverpool starting XI of 2017.
Gk: Simon Mignolet
With Loris Karius struggling in the league this season. It may be time for the familiar face to cement his place in Liverpool’s 2017 squad.
The Belgian is certainly a talking point for Liverpool, but most fans in the Tavern will argue it’s for the wrong reasons. However, with Karius making mistakes it may be time for Mignolet to prove his worth in net.
LB: Ricardo Rodriguez
The Wolfsburg left-back has been regarded as one of the best in the Bundesliga in recent years. This has obviously made it hard for anybody to snatch the Swiss international from the grasps of the German club.
However, with Liverpool challenging for the title this season, he may be open for a move to a club who certainly need a left-back.
Despite James Milner’s best efforts, he is not a natural left-back and Alberto Moreno has already been axed from the Liverpool starting XI after a number of poor performances.
This would be the perfect opportunity for Rodriguez to come in and make an impact for the Merseyside club.
CB: Joel Matip
Since his move from Schalke in the summer, the Cameroonian has been a vital part of Klopp’s team. The strong defender has arguably been one of the best players in the Liverpool.
Matip could be the first name on the team sheet in 2017. it all depends on if he can keep up his performances that have made even the rival fans in the Tavern praise the Cameroonian international.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk
Van Dijk has been unbelievable in the Premier League this season and he has reportedly attracted a whole host of suitor, such as Man City. Still, could Klopp tempt the Dutchman to come to Liverpool in January?
If he does, the Reds are really on to a winner.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
Mr Reliable, Nathaniel Clyne has shown not only Liverpool, but also the Premier League, why he is one of England’s best right-backs.
Despite not always grabbing the headlines, the former Saints player has manged to do his job with hardly any issue.
CM: Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is a player who divides a lot of Liverpool fans opinions in the Tavern. Some say that he should produce more for the team while others state that he is exactly what they need in midfield.
The former Sunderland man should make it into Klopp’s 2017 starting XI as he creates a nice balance between attack and defence.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum
Despite his blip at Newcastle, Wijnaldum has always been regarded as a decent player.
Picking up the Dutch Player of the Year Award in the 2014/15 season, the Liverpool ace is certainly looking more like the player that wowed the fans in the Transfer Tavern while at PSV.
After settling in centre midfield for Liverpool this season, the Dutchman has been a solid option for Klopp in his team line up. Going into 2017, expect the 26-year-old to prove why he cost around £25m.
CAM: Adam Lallana
We talked about Matip being one of Liverpool’s best defenders, well Adam Lallana has been one of the best midfielders.
This season he seems to be in a world of his own and he even has the Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern scratching their heads wondering where this Lallana has come from.
LW: Chrisitan Pulisic
The Dortmund wonderkid may be what Klopp needs to add further flavour to his Liverpool side in 2017.
With a lot of Reds players challenging for the winger spots of the team, Pulisic is going to have to be special if he wants to keep his place.
Still, Klopp is used to getting the best out of young players and if Liverpool are willing to splash the cash on the youngster then he will certainly be worth every penny.
RW: Sadio Mane
Mane was the most recent signing Liverpool acquired from Southampton, and much like Lallana and Clyne, he has fit in perfectly.
The Senegal international has scored 9 goals in all competitions including the winning goal against Everton in the latest derby.
With the winger improving with each game it would seem foolish to drop one of Liverpool’s star players.
ST: Divock Origi
In the Premier League, there is a rich crop of Belgium talents, Eden Hazard at Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku at Everton and Kevin De Bruyne at Man City are all becoming stars at their clubs.
Now, the same can now be said with Origi.
With Sturridge no longer being seen as a first-choice and Firmino not being a natural central striker.
It is now Origi’s time to shine in 2017.
What would your Liverpool starting XI be in 2017? Tell us bellow!!
